Over the years we’ve had the honor of visiting so many incredible homes. From small studio apartments in Manhattan to stately townhouses in London, being welcomed into someone’s home is always a very special thing. Over the past few weeks I’ve been visiting some of these homes with photographers to meet people in person, and it’s made such a change in the way I view both their spaces and the stories behind them.
Interior designer Danielle Colding has lived in the Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn apartment she shares with her husband Fred, a general contractor, and their dog Mia for 3.5 years. As soon as Sasha and I walked in, we could tell how much hard work and love had been put into their space. So it was bittersweet to hear that the night before they’d learned their building had been sold, and this would be their last full year in this space. Knowing that made our shoot take on a different level of significance and it’s an honor to capture this incredible home before it’s packed up and begins again in a new space.
A born and bred New Yorker, Danielle grew up in a tudor home in Queens, while Fred was raised in Brittany, France. They both eventually settled in Brooklyn, where they found their floor-through apartment with one very special feature. “What sealed the deal for me was the Sol Lewitt mural in the office. To have a piece of original art in my home felt like it was just meant to be,” Danielle says. In addition, Danielle loved the surrounding area. “Bed-Stuy had everything I was looking for: incredible architecture, a friendly neighborhood feel and a legacy of African American families who still occupied most of the housing. It was also a neighborhood that was fiercely against letting gentrification change it. Of course, there has been a lot of change over the years I have lived here, but there is still a friendliness and sense of community that I have not found anywhere else in New York.”
Like many homes, Danielle and Fred’s has seen a lot of change. It has seen them through the beginning of their relationship, their marriage, and served as a safe place to grieve and rebuild after the death of Danielle’s mother — who played a pivotal role in Danielle’s creativity and can be seen in almost every facet of their home.
“This apartment has been a haven for me. It’s been a safe place where I could be surrounded by objects of love. I will forever be grateful for having this space for the time I have. I am a different, and dare I say better, person as a result. It was exactly what I needed at a very difficult time. My life has truly changed into something beautiful while I have lived here. For that I am forever grateful.” Read on to hear more about Danielle, Fred and Mia’s lovely Brooklyn home. xo, grace
Photography by Sasha Israel
Complete source list from Danielle:
Kitchen:
Table: Room and Board
Chairs: RePOP
Cabinet knobs: Anthropologie
Pitcher and sugar and cream set: michelle varian
Living room:
Sofa: antique, upholstered by Emanuel Decorators
Chinese Chest: Antique from San Francisco shop
Elephant Table: my mother’s
Corner chair: my grandfather’s, upholstered in Fortuny fabric
White frame chair: Vintage reupholstered
Rug: Brooklyn Flea
Lucite Tray: Baker
David Ruffin Print, Jom Britt from Rock Paper Photo, Frame from Make a Frame
Juju Hat: Authentic Africa
Framed Ndebele skirt: South Africa
Framed Mike Ruiz Photo: purchased from Design on a Dime
Mask: South Africa
Bar Cart: my grandfather’s
Lamp: Baker
Decanters: my grandparents’
Mirror: West Elm
Plate: Kehinde Wiley from Art Ware
Vases on mantel: my mother’s
Hallway:
Lantern: my grandfather’s
Art: my mother’s
Bathroom:
Towels: West Elm
Table: my grandfather’s
glass decanter: my mother’s
Bedroom:
Headboard: One Kings lane
Bedding: Sheets & Throw Pillow, John Robshaw
Coverlet: Freete
Kantha: Scotts Atlanta Flea Market
On mantel:
crystal candle holder, Tiffany
brass candle holder, Michelle Varian
vintage candle holder- Chelsea flea
Bust- my own
vase- my mother’s- vintage
Plant table- Aero studio
Floral art- my grandmother’s
African woman art- from South Africa
Chinese art- vintage
Art to left of dressers: original by Paul Waldeman
Dressers: consignment shop in Riverhead
Gold Lamp: Baker
All accessories- my mom’s vintage
Bedside table- antique from mom
Lamp: Baker
Office:
Desks: West elm
Chairs: Kartel
Reading chair and ottoman- my mother’s upholstered in linen from Norbar
Pillow- Wisteria
Photo ledges- West Elm
File cabinets and bookcase- Pottery Barn
Fashion prints- Conde Nast Trade
Mirror- my mother’s
via Design*Sponge